The Senate Commerce Committee recommended the bill to the full chamber after little debate – a contrast to the hand-wringing within the House before its approval in May.

At the time, the bill was nearly detoured as some legislators tried to raise the tax on higher alcohol-content beers to levels comparable with those on wine and liquor.

Rep. Stephen LaRoque, R-Lenoir, the bill’s primary sponsor, told the Senate panel that the microbrewing industry – much like the state’s burgeoning wine business – would grow and potentially create 300 jobs if the bill passed.

Of course, it still has to go to the full Senate, but that’s a good start.